Nurnberg History, Germany

Found in the German state of Bavaria, the city of Nurnberg is located 170 kilometers north of Munich. Similar to other German cities, Nurnberg History is detailed with important events which shaped the city into what it is today.

Nurnberg History – Middle Ages

Nurnberg is frequently referred to as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Emperor. Starting from 1050 until 1571, the city developed significantly and became very important because of its location in relation to the chief trade routes. The city then became an Imperial Free City in 1219 when Emperor Frederick II ruled the empire. It was also part of the two great trade centers on the route from Italy to Northern Europe.

Nurnberg History – Early Modern Age

Nurnberg was the heart of the German Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries because of the cultural developments it experienced during that time. Just like some cities in Germany and Austria, Nurnberg embraced the Protestant Reformation in 1525.

During the Thirty Years’ War, Nurnberg, which was occupied by the army of Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, fell into the hands of the forces of the Imperial general Albrecht von Wallenstein. After this, the city’s importance started to weaken.

In the early 19th century, Nurnberg suffered bankruptcy. When the Holy Roman Empire declined in 1806, the city was given to Bavaria. The state handled the city’s debts and ensured its amortization.

Nurnberg History – Nazi Regime

During the Nazi regime, the Nazi Party chose Nurnberg as the location for big Nazi Party conventions which were called the Nurnberg rallies. These rallies were held yearly starting in 1927 until 1938. It was in this city that the anti-Semitic Nurnberg Laws were passed.

When World War II broke, Nurnberg became the headquarters of Wehrkreis XIII, and the hub of military production which include airplanes, tank engines, and submarines. Like other Nazi sympathizer cities, the city was also greatly destroyed by Allied bombings. On January 2, 1945, almost 90% of the city was destroyed in a span of an hour due to systematical bombings done by the Royal and US Army Air Forces. Despite the destruction, Nurnberg was rebuilt to its former glory.

Nurnberg History – Nurnberg Trials

In the years 1945 and 1946, German officials involved in the Holocaust and other WWII crimes were tried before an international tribunal known as the Nurnberg Trials. The city also became the location for the Nurnberg Military Tribunals managed by the United States’ power in the city.

Nurnberg History, just like other cities in Germany, had its own shares of ups and downs. However, it proved to be worth of all the recognition it is getting at the moment. To appreciate the humble beginnings of Germany, learn about Stuttgart History and Friedrichshafen History.